Occasional Papers Museum of Texas Tech University Number 376 22 April 2021

Distribution and Natural History Notes of (Orders: Chiroptera and Rodentia) from and South Dakota

Keith Geluso and Michael L. Rohde

Abstract

Noteworthy distributional and natural history notes are reported for mammals from Ne- braska and South Dakota. Such observations are important in understanding distributions of mammals, some of which currently are shifting, as well as understanding their behaviors and ecological relationships between . Herein, observations are reported for 15 species from two orders of mammals, Chiroptera and Rodentia, including 16 county records and a number of natural history notes. Natural history notes, in part, include a Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) predated by a Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus), semi-aquatic Com- mon Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) climbing trees, diurnal observations of Plains Harvest Mice (Reithrodontomys montanus), and a Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius) climbing tall grasses to reach seed heads. Distributional records fill in gaps in occurrences of species across two states, whereas natural history observations continue to demonstrate how diverse interac- tions and behaviors are for mammals in the .

Key words: bats, distribution, Lasionycteris noctivagans, mammals, natural history, Ne- braska, Ondatra zibethicus, Peromyscus leucopus, range expansion, Reithrodontomys montanus, , South Dakota, Zapus hudsonius

Introduction

Much information remains to be amassed con- requires time in the field or technological advances in cerning the distribution and natural history of mammals order to study them in their natural habitats (Geluso in the Great Plains. Distributions for many species are et al. 2018). Both distributional and natural history shifting because of anthropogenic changes to the region information is used to better understand the ecology of (Benedict et al. 2000; Forrester et al. 2019; Roehrs et species. Accumulation of such data is used for various al. 2021), whereas other distributional records reflect purposes, such as compiling details of their biology limited trapping in the past (Benedict 2004; Johnson for regional or synoptic books (Schmidly and Bradley and Geluso 2017). Many mammals are small and noc- 2016; Best and Hunt 2020), review papers (Nyffeler and turnal, which make them difficult to observe and study. Knörnschild 2013), and to protect and manage species Documenting the natural history of species generally (USFWS 2015). 2 Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University

Herein, distributional and natural history data In accounts below, the focus was to present are reported for a number of mammals in Nebraska descriptive data for observations rather than a longer and South Dakota. These observations help to further treatise. If relevant, data are presented on methods in clarify their distributions and natural history in the accounts, but the intent was to convey new descriptive Great Plains. Many of these data likely would be information. If voucher specimens were secured, indi- difficult to publish individually, thus observations are viduals were deposited in the natural history collections combined herein to facilitate dissemination of such at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History (FHSM), facts. Unfortunately, there is no specific outlet for Hays, Kansas; the University of Nebraska State Mu- short natural history notes and single county records for seum, Lincoln, Nebraska (UNSM); or the Museum mammals, like what is available for herpetologists, for of Southwestern Biology (MSB), University of New example, in the journal Herpetological Review. Many Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico. For many of the data were collected opportunistically while conducting more recent specimens, tissues samples were collected research on other projects. Some data were reported to and deposited at the FHSM. Common and scientific us by others when they observed something that seemed names of mammals follow Bradley et al. (2014), unless unusual or of interest. otherwise noted, whereas common and scientific names of plants follow USDA (2021).

Results

ORDER CHIROPTERA Examination of prey items from the nest box revealed Family Vespertilionidae one L. noctivagans (FHSM #43493, partial skull), nine Lasionycteris noctivagans (Le Conte, 1831) North American Deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus), Silver-haired Bat six Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster), eight Microtus spp., and four harvest mice (Reithrodontomys spp.). Silver-haired Bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) The nest box contained four owlets on 10 May and occur across Nebraska, with most captures from west- the last chick fledged on 29 May. The bat likely was ern parts of the state (Benedict 2004; Johnson and Ge- captured during spring migration in April or May, as luso 2017). For bats, limited data are known regarding L. noctivagans is not known from the pine forests of predators due to their nocturnal behaviors (Sparks et al. the Wildcat Hills in summer (Geluso et al. 2013) and 2000). A number of vertebrates are known to predate owls generally do not reside in nest boxes after young L. noctivagans in the United States and Canada (Sparks have fledged (W. Mollhoff, personal communication). et al. 2000). This is the first confirmed occurrence of a North- In a study of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius ern Saw-whet Owl predating a Silver-haired Bat in acadicus) across Nebraska, Mollhoff (2018) reported on North America. Previously, a small owl, either a North- prey items discovered in nest boxes, including a L. noc- ern Saw-whet Owl or Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops tivagans. Limited data were presented for that specific asio) was observed to prey upon a L. noctivagans in observation by Mollhoff (2018), thus additional data are the Black Hills of South Dakota (Mattson 1995). Great included here. On 7 October 2014, contents of a nest Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) also are known to box were removed and examined for vertebrate remains predate L. noctivagans (Bond 1940). from the Wildcat Hills State Wildlife Management Area, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska (4.1 km S, 20.7 Aeorestes cinereus (Beauvois, 1796) km W McGrew Post Office; 41.7094°N, 103.6655°W, Hoary Bat elev. 1422 m, WGS 84). The nest box was on a Pon- derosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) in a clump of mature The Hoary Bat (Aeorestes cinereus, formerly pines on the side of a steep gully in rocky escarpment Lasiurus cinereus; Baird et al. 2015) is a migratory of the Wildcat Hills. In the area, habitat consisted of species that occurs throughout Nebraska (Czaplewski scattered Ponderosa Pines in a mixed-grass prairie. et al. 1979; Benedict 2004). To date, few observa- Geluso and Rohde—Notes on Mammals from Nebraska and South Dakota 3 tions are known from the Sandhill Region of the state 1979), a small wooded grove of trees by a wildlife ref- (Czaplewski et al. 1979; Benedict 2004; Johnson and uge headquarters in Garden County (Bogan et al. 2004), Geluso 2017). and riparian areas along the Middle Loup River and planted stands of coniferous trees in Thomas County On 25 December 2018, a dead Hoary Bat was (Geluso 2006). observed beneath trees at the headquarters of Fawn Lake Ranch in western Cherry County, Nebraska (46.8 The record from Fawn Lake Ranch and the ob- km S, 16.3 km W Merriman, 42.4989°N, 101.9028°W, servation from Crescent Lake WGS 84; Fig. 1). It is unknown when the individual (Bogan et al. 2004) represent the only records of this died. A number of large Plains Cottonwoods (Populus species using the vast open areas of the Sandhill Region deltoides), other deciduous trees, and coniferous trees that lack many trees. It is unknown how many individu- were present at the headquarters. The ranch consists als migrate through this region, but farther to the west almost exclusively of upland grasslands and low-lying in wooded habitats of Wildcat Hills and Pine Bluffs wet meadows, with similar habitats surrounding the areas of Nebraska, migratory waves of individuals ranch. Only a limited number of trees occur on the frequently have been documented (Geluso et al. 2013; ranch, with no corridors of forested habitats. Riparian Geluso and Geluso 2016). Documenting Hoary Bats habitats along the are about 24 km to the across the Sandhill Region with mist nets likely will northwest and 29 km to the north. A number of Hoary prove difficult, but acoustic monitoring could facilitate Bats have been captured along the river throughout the obtaining such data. Notably, Nebraska is ranked as the northern tier of the state (Benedict 2004). Only a few fourth windiest state in the United States, thus there is records of Hoary Bats are known away from the Niobr- an opportunity to generate much electricity from wind ara River in the (Bogan et al. 2004; Johnson in the future (see Geluso and Geluso 2016). There is and Geluso 2017). Those records are associated with a need for a better understanding of the migratory pat- towns and rivers in Custer County (Czaplewski et al. terns for this species in the Great Plains, as research-

Figure 1. A deceased Hoary Bat (Aeorestes cinereus) discovered on 25 December 2018 beneath trees at the headquarters of Fawn Lake Ranch in western Cherry County, Nebraska (42.4989°N, 101.9028°W). Photograph by John Halstead. 4 Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University ers recently demonstrated that Hoary Bats might face the county (43.00284°N, 100.35408°W, WGS 84). All large-scale declines, up to 90%, in the next 50 years three surrounding counties in South Dakota (Bennett, due to fatalities associated with turbines at wind-energy Mellette, and Tripp) have published records (Higgins facilities (Frick et al. 2017). et al. 2002).

Myotis ciliolabrum (Merriam, 1886) Neotoma floridana (Ord, 1818) Western Small-footed Myotis Eastern Woodrat

The Western Small-footed Myotis (Myotis Three subspecies of Eastern Woodrats (Neo- ciliolabrum) is known from western parts of Nebraska toma floridana) occur in Nebraska. The northernmost (Benedict 2004). Easternmost records in the state are subspecies, Bailey’s Eastern Woodrat (N. f. baileyi), reported from Garden County (Benedict et al. 2000), occurs along the Niobrara River and its tributaries in Keya Paha County (Czaplewski et al. 1979), and north-central Nebraska (Graham et al. 2012). Previ- Thomas County (Geluso 2006). ously, Graham et al. (2012) captured woodrats in an abandoned homestead in northern Cherry County (4.8 On 8 September 2017, two females were captured km N, 1.5 km E Sparks, 42.98453°N, 100.23475°W). night roosting in an outbuilding at the Niobrara Valley The homestead is on flat tablelands away from the Preserve in Brown County, Nebraska (The Nature Con- Niobrara River. On 21 June 2019, no woodrats or sign servancy, Headquarters, 42.78363°N, 100.02604°W, of woodrats were observed at this location, nor in a NAD 83). Both individuals were captured by hand. woodlot just to the north in South Dakota (42.99968°N, One individual, which contained much subcutaneous 100.22867°W). It is unclear why Eastern Woodrats fat, was kept as a voucher specimen (FHSM #43482). are now absent from the abandoned homestead in This individual represents one of the latest seasonal Nebraska. These results suggest that such sites away observations from Nebraska (Jones 1964; Geluso from the Niobrara River valley might only occasion- and Geluso 2016), as the latest observation of a non- ally allow for occupancy of this species. An additional hibernating individual was captured on 4 November site in Tripp County, South Dakota, did not contain from Scotts Bluff County in the Wildcat Hills (Geluso woodrats in forested riparian habitats along Lute Creek et al. 2013). The nearest published record for this (43.02198°N, 99.59303°W). Occurrence of Eastern species is from 15.5 km to the northwest in Keya Paha Woodrats in South Dakota would represent a state re- County (1.6 km [1 mi] S, 29.0 km [18 mi] E Valentine) cord. In Nebraska, N. f. baileyi is considered a species (Czaplewski et al. 1979). The record presented herein in need of conservation, with little information known represents the easternmost record of occurrence known about this endemic subspecies in the state (Schneider from Nebraska. et al. 2018).

ORDER RODENTIA Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766) Family Common Muskrat Microtus ochrogaster (Wagner, 1842) Prairie Vole The Common Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a semi-aquatic species that inhabits areas with perma- The distribution of the Prairie Vole (Microtus nent water throughout Nebraska (Jones 1964). With ochrogaster) spans across South Dakota, but many waterproof underfur, a long laterally compressed tail, counties lack records of observation (Higgins et al. and partly webbed hind feet, this species is particularly 2002). On 21 June 2019, one juvenile male and two adapted for swimming (Jones 1964). Additionally, the adult males were captured in a grassy roadside right- species has a heavyset body supported by short legs of-way in Todd County, South Dakota (32.6 km S, (Jones 1964). On 14 May 2019, it was interesting to 19.8 km E Mission, 43.01303°N, 100.4132°W, WGS document two individuals in trees adjacent to the edge 84). One adult male was kept as a voucher (FHSM of a lake in the Sandhills of western Cherry County, #43484). One adult female and one juvenile male also Nebraska (42.5182°N, 101.9879°W, WGS 84; Fig. 2). were captured from another roadside right-of-way in These two individuals were about 1–2 m above the Geluso and Rohde—Notes on Mammals from Nebraska and South Dakota 5

Figure 2. Photograph of a Common Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) in a tree along the edge of a lake in the Sandhills of western Cherry County, Nebraska (42.5182°N, 101.9879°W; 14 May 2019). Photograph by Keith Geluso. ground. It is unclear why Common Muskrats would ated with the Platte and Republican rivers (Benedict et climb trees, but that summer the region had an unusual al. 2000). In the mainly treeless expanses of the Sand- amount of rain with lake level increasing greatly. Ac- hills of Nebraska, P. leucopus is known from eastern counts on the natural history for O. zibethicus do not parts of the region only as far west as the Valentine mention the ability or interest of this species climbing National Wildlife Refuge (Bogan and Ramotnik 1995) trees (Willner et al. 1980; Jones et al. 1983). and Bessey District of the (Manning and Geluso 1989). In the eastern Sandhills, Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque, 1818) P. leucopus has been documented using shelterbelts, White-footed Deermouse tree plantations of mainly Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), and riparian forests (Manning and Geluso In Nebraska, the White-footed Deermouse (Pero- 1989; Spanel and Geluso 2018). myscus leucopus) is a woodland species, inhabiting riparian areas, eastern deciduous forests, hedgerows, On 26 June 2019, four P. leucopus (three fe- and patches of Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) and males and one male) were captured in a small patch of American Plum (Prunus americana) (Jones 1964; Jones Eastern Redcedars (52.7 km S, 5.4 km W Merriman, et al. 1983). The species occurs across the eastern two- 42.44533°N, 101.76616°W, NAD 83) at Fawn Lake thirds of Nebraska and the northern tier of counties Ranch in western Cherry County, Nebraska. Individu- along the Niobrara River into the region als were captured in Sherman live traps (H.B. Sherman of northwestern Nebraska (Jones 1964; Benedict et al. Traps, Tallahassee, FL). One female was pregnant 2000). In recent decades, P. leucopus has expanded its (FHSM #43488) and the other three, which were distribution westward through forested habitats associ- released, were juveniles or sub-adults, demonstrating 6 Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University evidence of a reproducing population on the ranch. On A total of five individuals were captured by hand 28 July 2020, an additional four P. leucopus were cap- in the evening prior to sunset (n = 4) or in the morn- tured in another small patch of Eastern Redcedars on the ing after sunrise (n = 1). The individual that does not ranch (50.9 km S, 7.3 km W Merriman, 42.46463°N, represent a county record was captured and released on 101.79010°W, NAD 83), including one adult scrotal 29 September 2007 at Crescent Lake National Wild- male (FHSM #43542) and three adult females (FHSM life Refuge, Garden County, Nebraska (41.7623°N, #43543). The female kept as a voucher specimen was 102.4354°W, WGS 84). See county records below for pregnant (1 R, 3 L, uterine swellings 4 mm in length). specific details on the other diurnal captures by hand. Information on diurnal activity appears novel for this Captures of mice were located about 11–13 km species in the literature (Jones et al. 1983; Wilkins from the Snake River, a tributary of the Niobrara River. 1986). Plains Harvest Mice reportedly are captured Along the Snake River, north-facing slopes contained infrequently in traps compared to the Western Harvest patches of Eastern Redcedars and the narrow river val- Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis; Jones 1964; Ge- ley contained scattered deciduous trees. Between Fawn luso and Wright 2019). Another explanation for their Lake Ranch and wooded habitats along the Snake River, infrequency in traps might relate to their diurnal and there are no contiguous wooded habitats. The ranch crepuscular activity in the morning and evening. has few patches of human-planted Eastern Redcedar and Ponderosa Pines used as windbreaks. The ranch On 22 April 2017, an adult individual was cap- consists mostly of upland grasslands and low-lying tured by hand in the morning in an area with sparse wet meadows. A few Plains Cottonwoods and willows herbaceous cover in the floodplain of the Platte River (Salix) occur around lake margins and wetlands, as well in Buffalo County, Nebraska (Kearney High School, as the few homesteads. Kearney, 40.6785°N, 99.1171°W, WGS 84; Fig. 3). On 6 November 2020, an adult female was captured Peromyscus leucopus likely has expanded natu- by hand in sparsely vegetated floodplain habitat along rally into these small wooded habitats on the ranch the Platte River in Dawson County, Nebraska (Jeffrey from wooded habitats to the north, such as the Snake Island, 6.0 km S, 6.3 km W Overton Post Office; 40. and Niobrara rivers, the nearest wooded and forested 68563°N, 99.61306°W, NAD 83; FHSM #43547). areas. Individuals potentially used patches of Ameri- The area was situated above the sub-irrigated soils can Plums and wooded shelterbelts to reach the ranch. adjacent to the river but below an extensive area of Alternatively, individuals might have been moved land dominated by dense sod-forming grasses. The inadvertently in hay bales or other items from other area was in the active flood zone. The friable substrata ranches within the known distribution of the species was sandy but contained some gravel and lacked sod- (e.g., Benedict et al. 2000; Geluso and Forsberg 2017). forming grasses. Dominant vegetation included Foxtail Further surveys would be informative as to the current (Setaria), Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), distribution of this woodland species in western and and Field Sagewort (Artemisia campestris caudata). interior parts of the Sandhill Region of Nebraska. Other small mammals captured the next morning in the immediate area consisted of Ord’s Kangaroo Rats Reithrodontomys montanus (Baird, 1855) (Dipodomys ordii) and North American Deermice. On Plains Harvest Mouse 17 September 2016, a juvenile female was captured by hand in a disturbed area with mowed herbaceous The Plains Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys vegetation in Loup County, Nebraska (18.8 km N, montanus) is an uncommon species that inhabits up- 6.0 km E Taylor, 41.93898°N, 99.30629°W, WGS lands across Nebraska (Jones 1964). Herein, diurnal 84; FHSM #43492) near ranch buildings and corrals. and crepuscular observations for this mouse are pre- Substrata of the site was sandy. On 4 November 2006, sented along with five new county records: Buffalo, a female was captured by hand in an area dominated by Dawson, Loup, Phelps, and Scotts Bluff. Four of five Foxtail, Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and county records also represent hand captures during the Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) in Phelps County, evening or morning. Nebraska (Lynder Federal Waterfowl Production Area, Geluso and Rohde—Notes on Mammals from Nebraska and South Dakota 7

Figure 3. A Plains Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys montanus) captured on 22 April 2017 in Buffalo County, Nebraska (40.6785°N, 99.1171°W). The individual was captured by hand in a grassy area after sunrise, exhibiting diurnal activity for this species. Photograph by Keith Geluso.

40.54647°N, 99.53098°W, NAD 83). On 3 July 2002, Nebraska represents the northern and northwestern- a scrotal male was captured in a Sherman live trap in most extent for distribution of Hispid Cotton Rats in an area with sparse grasses, sage (Artemisia spp.), and North America (Wright et al. 2010; Frisch et al. 2015). prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) in Scotts Bluff County, Expansion northward and westward has been noted in Nebraska (Lake Alice Area, North Platte National the state since then, especially in southwestern parts Wildlife Refuge, 41.9793°N, 103.5978°W, NAD 27; of the state (Farney 1975; Wright et al. 2010; Wills et MSB #124414). Other species captured in the trap line al. 2011; Frisch et al. 2015). With no evidence of a included D. ordii, R. megalotis, and Hispid Pocket Mice northern barrier for the species due to habitat or other (Chaetodipus hispidus). These records help to fill in environmental factors (Jones et al. 1983), continued counties lacking records for this species in Nebraska sampling is necessary to observe whether S. hispidus (Jones 1964; Geluso and Wright 2019). will continue its northward and westward expansion in the state. Herein, a record is reported for S. hispidus Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord, 1825 in Nebraska that represents the northernmost record Hispid throughout its range in North America.

The Hispid Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is a On 14 July 2017, a Hispid Cotton Rat was cap- relatively recent resident to Nebraska, as the species tured near North Platte, Lincoln County, Nebraska first was documented in the state in 1958, and its dis- (Indian Hills subdivision, 6.3 km [4 mi] S, 1.6 km [1 tribution has been expanding northward in the Great mi] W North Platte, 41.08086°N, 100.78711°W, WGS Plains during the last century (Cockrum 1948; Jones 84; UNSM ZM #31038). The female contained four 1960; Jones et al. 1983; Wright et al. 2010). Currently, embryos (2L, 2R, crown rump length 38 mm), sug- 8 Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University gesting a reproducing population in the area. In early S, 12.9 km [8 mi] W Endicott, Rose Creek State Wild- May 2019, evidence of S. hispidus was not observed life Management Area, 40.0762°N, 97.2374°W, NAD by searching for diagnostic wide runways with grass 83). Other species captured in the trap line included clippings as well as trapping for small mammals in P. leucopus and P. maniculatus. These observations Keith County (Ogallala Nature Park and Ogallala Strip increase the knowledge on distribution of this species State Wildlife Management Area) and Deuel County in southern Nebraska, as few records were known from (Goldeneye Lake State Wildlife Management Area). the southern tier of counties in the state (Jones 1964; Benedict et al. 2000). Synaptomys cooperi Baird, 1857 Southern Bog Lemming Family Dipodidae Zapus hudsonius (Zimmermann, 1780) The Southern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys coo- Meadow Jumping Mouse peri) occurs in eastern and southern Nebraska, albeit relatively few records are known from the state (Jones The Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius) 1964; Benedict et al. 2000). Most individuals have been inhabits mesic herbaceous environs in Nebraska, espe- captured in dense vegetative litter with tall herbaceous cially riparian areas and wetland margins (Jones 1964). overstory, such as sunflowers, Smooth Sumac, and Although its distribution spans across most of the state, American Plum (Jones 1964; Benedict et al. 2000). few records exist in western and southern portions Herein, three new county records are presented: Frank- of Nebraska (Jones 1964; Jones et al. 1983). In the lin, Harlan, and Jefferson. Sandhills of Nebraska and southern South Dakota, Z. hudsonius is limited to mesic areas immediately sur- On 13 December 2008, one male was captured rounding lakes and rivers (Jones 1964; Wilhelm et al. in a roadside ditch containing Indiangrass, Switchgrass 1981; Bogan et al. 2004). In eastern parts of the Sand- (Panicum virgatum), Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis), hills, Z. hudsonius is known from the Bessey District and horsetails (Equisetum spp.) in Franklin County (1.0 of the National Forest Service along the Middle Loup km [0.6 mi] W Riverton, 40.0892°N, 98.7662°W, NAD and Dismal rivers (Manning and Geluso 1989) and Fort 83; UNSM ZM #29914). Other species captured in the Niobrara and Valentine National Wildlife refuges in trap line included Elliot’s Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina eastern Cherry County (Bogan and Romatnik 1995). In hylophaga), P. maniculatus, and S. hispidus. On 1 southwestern parts of the Sandhills, Z. hudsonius occurs April 2007, an adult male was captured in a grassy at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Bogan et al. roadside slope containing Indiangrass and Switchgrass 2004). This species is not known from western parts of in Harlan County (2.25 km [1.4 mi] S Hwy 189, US the Sandhills in Nebraska (Jones 1964). Additionally, Hwy 183, 40.0324°N, 99.3678°W, NAD 83; UNSM in southern Nebraska, there are no published records ZM #29334). Other species captured in the trap line along the Republican River (Jones 1964). included B. hylophaga, M. ochrogaster, P. manicula- tus, R. megalotis, and S. hispidus. On 26 November Meadow Jumping Mice can be recognized in part 2008, a non-reproductive female was captured in an by long tails and long hind feet, which are used for upland grassland that contained various grasses and jumping to escape predators (Whitaker 1972; Jones et forbs, including sunflowers and Indiangrass in Harlan al. 1983). Whitaker (1963) also reported that individu- County (Harlan County Reservoir, near Prairie Dog als (Z. h. americanus) climb grass stems to reach seed Creek, 40.0199°N, 99.3645°W, NAD 83; UNSM ZM heads in captivity. Recently in New Mexico, another #29912). Other species captured in the trap line in- subspecies (Z. h. luteus) used its long tail and feet to cluded B. hylophaga, P. maniculatus, R. megalotis, and climb and move through herbaceous vegetation to feed S. hispidus. On 30 April 2006, one male (UNSM ZM on seed heads in natural habitats (Wright and Frey #29353) and one pregnant female (UNSM ZM #29352, 2014). Herein, data are presented for the first record 2 embryos with uterine swellings 7 mm in length) were from western Cherry County, first record for Grant captured in what appeared to be a reestablished prairie County, first record along the Republican River, and with tall grasses in Jefferson County (0.8 km [0.5 mi] first report of climbing forZ. h. pallidus. Geluso and Rohde—Notes on Mammals from Nebraska and South Dakota 9

In early June 2019, two Meadow Jumping Mice distribution of this species. If Z. hudsonius occurs in the were observed in herbaceous vegetation during the day Pine Ridge region of the state, then it will be interesting on the margin of a small lake at Fawn Lake Ranch in the to determine the subspecies as either Z. h. campestris western Sandhills of Cherry County, Nebraska. On 26 or Z. h. pallidus. The record from Harlan County is June 2019, one adult female jumping mouse was cap- the first in the county as well as along the Republican tured (48.2 km S, 14.7 km W Merriman, 42.48645°N, River in Nebraska. The species might occur farther 101.88661°W; NAD 83; FHSM #43489). Other species west along this waterway in the state. captured in the trap line included the Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and Common Gartersnake On 17 August 2019, one Z. h. pallidus was ob- (Thamnophis sirtalis). On 20 June 2020, one lactating served at night feeding on the inflorescence of Reed female jumping mouse (FHSM #43544) and one M. Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) at the margin pennsylvanicus were captured at the same site. On 30 of a small lake at Fawn Lake Ranch (42.48645°N, August 2020, an adult female was captured by hand 101.88661°W; NAD 83). The individual was about at night along the edge of Frye Lake in Grant County 1 m off the ground with its tail pressing against grass while conducting an amphibian survey at the lake (Frye for support. This observation demonstrates that this Lake State Wildlife Management Area, 1.8 km N, 0.7 subspecies also climbs herbaceous vegetation to seek km E Hyannis Post Office, 42.0162°N, 101.7530°W; food resources (Wright and Frey 2014). WGS 84; FHSM #43541). All individuals at both sites were captured within 5 m of lake edges in mesic Family Erethizontidae herbaceous vegetation. On 14 September 2008, a Erethizon dorsatum (Linnaeus, 1758) female was captured in an upland grassland area in North American Porcupine Harlan County, Nebraska (Harlan County Reservoir, near Prairie Dog Creek, 40.0199°N, 99.3645°W, NAD The North American Porcupine (Erethizon 83). The capture site was about 400 m from the creek, dorsatum) is distributed throughout Nebraska and the and dominant vegetation at the site included Smooth Northern Great Plains (Jones 1964; Jones et al. 1983). Brome, Indiangrass, sunflowers Helianthus( spp.), and This species generally inhabits forested habitats but can Switchgrass. Other species captured in the trap line range into grasslands with nearby wooded riparian areas included C. hispidus, M. ochrogaster, P. maniculatus, (Jones et al. 1983). On 30 January 2021, an individual R. megalotis, and S. hispidus. was observed deceased along the shoulder of Hwy 30 in western Kimball County, Nebraska (41.240240°N, Observations from western Cherry County con- 103.696412°W; FHSM #43555). This individual was firm thatZ. hudsonius occurs in western reaches of the 0.52 km from Lodgepole Creek, a small tributary of Sandhills (Jones 1964; Jones et al. 1983). The near- the South Platte River, that has a riparian area dense est published record in the Sandhills to the locality at with Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii) and Fawn Lake Ranch is from 68 km to the north northeast patches of deciduous trees. The closest records of oc- at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, Bennett County, currence in Nebraska are to the north in Banner County South Dakota (Wilhelm et al. 1981). Although Jones and to the northeast in Morrill County (Jones 1964). (1964) did not report Z. hudsonius farther west in the This record represents the first record of E. dorsatum Pine Ridge of extreme northwestern Nebraska, Free- from Kimball County. man et al. (1993) mentions this species was taken south of the Pine Ridge near Rushville along Rush Creek, a Family Heteromyidae tributary of Niobrara River, in grassland habitats that Dipodomys ordii Woodhouse, 1853 resembled the Sandhills prairie (UNAM ZM #17477). Ord’s Kangaroo Rat The site along Rush Creek is about 52 km from the site at Fawn Lake Ranch. The Pine Ridge Region of Ord’s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordii) is distrib- Nebraska is near the Black Hills of South Dakota where uted across southern and western parts of South Dakota another subspecies (Z. h. campestris) occurs (Turner (Higgins et al. 2002). On 22 June 2019, a scrotal male 1974; King et al. 2006). More surveys are needed in was captured along a roadside in southern Tripp County, the western reaches of the state to better understand the South Dakota (42.9991°N, 100.06755°W, NAD 83; 10 Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University

FHSM #43483). Only two Sherman live traps were males enter hibernation as early as July (Jones et al. set, as diagnostic runways and holes were observed in 1983). Individuals rarely have been observed in the the area. Another individual was captured and released south-central Nebraska during the last decade by the at a nearby locality with limited traps (43.05364°N, authors. More studies are needed to evaluate the cur- 100.06779°W, NAD 83). Ord’s Kangaroo Rats are rent status of this species in Nebraska, as this area in known from counties to the west (Todd County) and Phelps County might represent the westernmost extant east (Gregory County) of Tripp County (Higgins et population in the state and in the southwestern parts of al. 2002). its distribution in North America.

Family Sciuridae Xerospermophilus spilosoma Bennett, 1833 Poliocitellus franklinii (Sabine, 1822) Spotted Ground Squirrel Franklin’s Ground Squirrel The Spotted Ground Squirrel (Xerospermophilus In recent decades, southern and eastern popu- spilosoma) is known from central and western parts of lations of Franklin’s Ground Squirrel (Poliocitellus Nebraska (Jones 1964). The species inhabits dry sandy franklinii) have declined throughout its distribution in areas. On 2 July 2002, a non-reproductive female was North America, including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Mis- captured in an open area containing scattered sage souri, and Nebraska (Martin et al. 2003; Huebschman (Artemisia) and short grasses in Scotts Bluff County 2007). There has not been a single specimen of Frank- (Lake Alice Area, N of Highline Canal, North Platte lin’s Ground Squirrels reported in Kansas since 1986 National Wildlife Refuge, 41.9865°N, 103.5962°W, (Schmidt et al. 2018; VertNet.org) and no records from NAD 27; MSB #124406). Other species captured in western Nebraska since 2001 (Phelps County, UNSM the trap line included D. ordii, Northern Grasshopper ZM# 28053). Historically, Franklin’s Ground Squir- Mouse (Onychomys leucogaster), Plains Pocket Mouse rel occurred in tall-grass prairies throughout central (Perognathus flavescens), R. megalotis, and Silky and eastern Nebraska (Jones 1964). In more westerly Pocket Mouse (Perognathus flavus). On 9 July 2002, parts of Nebraska, occurrences are associated with a scrotal male was captured in a grassy upland area in river systems, such as the Elkhorn, Loup, Niobrara, Scotts Bluff County (Lake Minatare Area, North Platte and Platte (Jones 1964). National Wildlife Refuge, 41.9387°N, 103.5113°W, NAD 27; MSB #124432). Other species captured in On 20 September 2020, a deceased male indi- the trap line included O. leucogaster and P. flavus. On vidual was salvaged from a roadway in Phelps County, 10 July 2002, a female was captured and released in Nebraska (748 Road, 7.6 km S, 4.3 km W Overton Post a sparsely vegetated area with a few grasses in Scotts Office, 40.67107°N, 99.58925°W; NAD 83; FHSM Bluff County (Lake Alice Area, North Platte National #43545). This area was in the floodplain of the Platte Wildlife Refuge, 41.9836°N, 103.5964°W, NAD River. Another individual was observed crossing the 27). Other species captured included C. hispidus, D. roadway about a week before in the same vicinity. ordii, and P. maniculatus. Records presented herein On the north side of the roadway, the right-of-way represent the first observations for the county. The was wide with a steep bank and mixture of grasses species is known from the three surrounding counties and forbs. Based on the late date of occurrence, the in Nebraska: Banner, Morrill, and Sioux (Jones 1964). individual potentially was a young of the year, as adult

Acknowledgments

We thank T. Labedz (UNSM) and C. Schmidt lands. We thank M. Bogan, A. Forrester, J. Halstead, (FHSM) for assistance with museum specimens and B. McKinney, W. Mollhoff, and S. Tye for assistance in records. We thank C. Foster, C. Helzer, S. Knode C. the field or assistance with this research. We appreciate Kruse, D. Lawn, N. Powers, S. Sortum, and D. Zorn the time of two anonymous reviewers for comments to for permission to conduct biological research on their improve this manuscript. Geluso and Rohde—Notes on Mammals from Nebraska and South Dakota 11

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Addresses of authors:

Keith Geluso Michael L. Rohde

Department of Biology Department of Biology University of Nebraska at Kearney University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, NE 68849 Kearney, NE 68849 [email protected] [email protected]

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